Avalanche forecast

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A sustained warming period is causing wet avalanches. Wet loose avalanches may be very easily triggered, and cornice and glide avalanches could release without warning. Plan to exit early, and avoid going on steep slopes if they are unsupportable, or if you see cornices or glide cracks above. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Snow surfaces will quickly become wet and unsupportable, as we expect minimal, if any refreeze. Wet avalanches will first be active on northeast aspects and later on south, and then west aspects. Take note of what the snow surfaces are like. Do you punch through easily, or stay on top? If the snow is unsupportable and punchy, it is probably weak enough to entrain an avalanche. These slides are now happening on some shaded aspects, and slides could gouge down into deeper layers. It will be safest to avoid steep slopes, and big complex terrain, especially in the heat of the day. Below treeline the snowpack is melting fast and is becoming more consolidated

    The chances for all types of wet avalanches continues with this sustained warming trend. Glide avalanches are occurring throughout the Cascades. Wet slab avalanches and cornice fall are all possible this weekend. Any of these could be deep, destructive, and are most likely from very steep, rocky, and unsupported areas on east to south to west aspects. Once again, unsupportable snow surfaces are indicators wet snow instability. Plan your exit strategy to avoid steep slopes and overhead dangers.

    (4/16/2021) Wet loose avalanches were observed running on north-facing slopes in Icicle Creek on Friday the 16th.

Avalanche Discussion

Very warm temperatures are quickly changing the snowpack from a dry, winter-like one to one that is wet and mushy. Meltwater is beginning to filter deeper into the snowpack. A 'shed cycle' is underway throughout the cascades with snow beginning to fall down due to hot temperatures. Numerous wet loose avalanches have been observed on all aspects. Glide cracks are opening up in unusual areas, and glide avalanches have been releasing from areas throughout the Cascade crest and Passes. Cornices loom over some ridgelines, and are beginning to fall. On Saturday an observer at nearby Snoqualmie counted 3 cornice falls. Plan your route with overhead dangers in mind, and consider steering around steep slopes altogether. 

A set of storms dropped about 10"-18" near the Cascade Crest, but that snow has now been through many changes. Earlier this week, very sustained winds drifted previously dry snow in alpine terrain, and formed windslab. 

This is the final full avalanche forecast product of the 2020-21 season. As our capacity thins during the warmer months, please continue to share your observations and make use of our mountain weather forecasts (daily through the end of April). From all the forecasters at NWAC, thank you for all your support that makes this product possible and we look forward to resuming full operations in late 2021.

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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